wow connie thats a big order... so much to tell. PM me and i will give you a pretty cool thing/story you can share w/ her

The Blackbeard's Castle tour is a MUST for history AND pirates. First of all, they've got the world's largest collection of pirate statues including the female pirates. We had Michael as our guide, and he was very good. Escorted (which I highly recommend) tour is $20 - without escort $12 and includes rum punch.

If you walk through Royal Dane Mall, there are plaques on the exterior walls that give St Thomas history, including some pirate lore. Enter from the Waterfront side, and go down all the Royal Dane Mall alleys.

Thanks all...so excited, especially for her. Last time (May) we didn't have enough time to show her some of the history about the pirates.

Karen, thank you...writing that down and will include that in our day.

Also, I have a piece of the Atocha. Got it in Key West. Is there any pieces like that in STT? A charm of another ship that went down like I have? I think that would be a nice present for her for her birthday.

Yep, at the top of Paradise Point is the Pirate's Chest...don't miss it, as it was voted several times the "Best Souvenirs" in the islands...

Second the Blackbeard's Castle. My kids (aged 9 & 10 at the time) LOVED this. About 20 pirate statues with explanations, Governor''s house, tower to climb with great views AND take your swimming suit - - they have a pool that you can use with the price of admission. Right next to a bar/restaurant too. Here's some pics of the place that we took this past June. Enjoy!

Connie, as you guessed Charlotte Amalie is where its at for historical sites on St. Thomas. There are some plantation ruins around the island, however they are not maintained as places open for visitors.

You can check out Blackbeards and its related historic homes on a guided visit as previously suggested, and then do a self guided walking tour downtown of the historic spots. There are photos and descriptions of some of them on this webiste under St. Thomas, Attractions.

--Islander

lip,
Would have loved to have heard all that you have to tell! 🙂

ps- Drakes Seat is an over look of where Sir Frances Drake hid his ship from the Pirates as they passed by. He hid in Magen's Bay!

Hey Sherri, PM Connie and have her forward it 🙂

Sent it Sherri!

Thanks Lip

I love it!!!!! 🙂
Thanx!

Connie: Are you primarily interested in folklore/pirates where island history is concerned, or would your daughter be interested in something else a little more relevant? After all, the stories of the pirating days are "lore" at best. Even that Sir Francis Drake actually used what is now known as "Drake's Seat" as his overlook is unsubstantiated legend, as is the folklore about Edward Teach, the notorious "Blackbeard."

The reason I ask is that there is a wealth of history contained on the gravestones at the Old Danish Cemetery on STT which dates back to the 17th century. It's a beautiful place and is still used as a burial site today for those who are descendants of the original Danes who settled here. More stories of the old days are told on the gravestones than have ever been published, from missionaries and their families from all over the world who died from Yellow Fever, merchant seamen from all over the world who passed through and likewise passed away here and so much, much more. I started off the restoration project there back in 1985 which was a labour of love and a long story. I'd be happy to tell you more if you or your daughter are interested.

There is also a very old Jewish cemetery here which likewise also holds a wealth of information and has been likewise renovated and restored. The Synagogue on St Thomas is the oldest in the Western hemisphere, still with sand floors.

The Caribbean Genealogy Society has also just been established. Located on Raphune Hill in the Al Cohen Mall, it's also been a labour of love which is providing a public historical and research service which is open to the public for a minimal fee on a walk-in basis with free access to those who take out a minimal annual membership.

If you'd like more info I'll be more than happy to oblige,

Cheers!

My relatives had to get out of Dodge as the saying goes, after the civil war (North/South). They arrived in the Virgins, as they called it( term of endearment) sometime between 1864-1868. They were men of the sea, they fished from Newfoundland to Brazil. They ran booze thru Naval blockades during the 20s & 30s. I was told stories about their bravery, strength, humor and dedication to family. Half the stories were probably bull, but that was part of the fun of it. History without folklore looses it's mystic.

I would also suggest The Pirates Chest up at Paradise Point. Great trinkets and Pirate stuff and the lady who runs/owns the place is a jewel. Great spot to just hang out and enjoy the views and an awesome Bushwacker to boot.

i was watching something on cable tonight it was a local channel but high up in the channel numbers on st thomas innovative channels and it was virgin islands history and covered the period starting with the us takeover, it was so cool to see that type of thing, lol i just can't remember the channel number and i'm not at home right now but at one of the internet cafes right now.

Connie, What a coincidence, your talking about pirates and guess what they find? Captain Kidd's ship! Here is a link to the story if your interested. It's in 10' of water near the Dominican Republic.

http://www.livescience.com/history/071213-capt-kidd-ship.html

Connie,
Great Thread! Have enjoyed reading the more recent postings!
Thanx for posting the last thread. How Cool is that! 🙂

Thanks everybody for all the information. Looking forward to a day off the beach and getting into some history around STT.

I've been trying to spend a little more time on this board, but these Christmas holidays are really so busy, that I haven't had the time.

Merry Christmas everybody!

We'll be visiting in a week and staying on Water Island. Can someone give me the info they sent Connie re: must sees involving pirates? My husband and I are inveterate sailors and love pirate lore!